José Peseiro, the Portuguese head coach of Zamalek's first football team, is working to find the best solutions to compensate for the absence of Nasser Maher in the upcoming match against Al-Masry. The match is set for Thursday and is part of the third round of the second stage of the Egyptian Premier League. This game represents a significant challenge for Zamalek, given the difficult circumstances the team is currently facing due to injuries and multiple absences, which require the coaching staff to find alternatives that can make a difference.

This comes after Nasser Maher was injured during one of the team's recent training sessions in Alexandria, which has cast doubt on his participation in the upcoming match. Predictions indicate that the chances of him playing are slimmer than him missing the game. However, his absence has not been confirmed yet, though the chances of him playing are minimal. Peseiro faces a real challenge in finding a replacement who can compensate for Maher's absence, especially as Maher had been occupying the wing position and had become a key player in the team's recent lineup.

The Zamalek coach is also dealing with a significant shortage in the list of available players for the match, as the team is missing several key figures. This forces Peseiro to search for alternative solutions to fill the gaps in the squad. Maher had been deployed as a winger, replacing Ahmed Mustafa Zizo, who is also absent from team training due to injury. Additionally, players like Mahmoud Abdel Razek "Shikabala," Ahmed Hamdy, and the Tunisian player El-Jefali are also unavailable.

Given these absences, Peseiro is exploring several tactical options to address this crisis. One scenario he is considering is altering the formation by increasing the number of players in midfield, which could provide more ball possession and help control the game. Furthermore, Peseiro may opt to deploy one of the players capable of playing in the wing position, such as Mohamed Hamdy, who is considered a good alternative for this task.

The Portuguese coach is also studying other tactical alternatives that could help compensate for Maher's absence, keeping in mind the immense pressure the team is under due to the multiple injuries. Thus, Peseiro is not only focused on replacing the injured player but is also thinking about all the technical aspects that ensure optimal performance in the match. He demonstrates considerable tactical flexibility in how to handle the absence of important players while focusing on highlighting the available strengths in his squad.

On the technical side, Zamalek started the second stage of the league strongly, having achieved a deserved win in their first match against Al-Ahly with a 3-0 scoreline, followed by another win over Haras El-Hodoud in the second match. This has brought the team to 6 points in the league standings, giving them a good chance to compete for the Premier League title. However, the match against Al-Masry is a decisive one in Zamalek's quest to win the championship this season.

Zamalek fans hope that the team can maintain their winning streak and secure a victory in this match, especially as it represents an opportunity to strengthen their position in the top spots of the league, which would keep their hopes alive for the title. A win in this match would also be a significant step towards securing second place, guaranteeing a spot in the African Champions League for the next season.

Given the current circumstances, including injuries and absences, the coaching staff fully understands that the match against Al-Masry will not be an easy one. Al-Masry has been performing well in the league and possesses several standout players, making it a tough test for Zamalek. However, Zamalek's strong history in the Egyptian Premier League, coupled with their potential, makes them capable of winning even in difficult situations.

Peseiro is working to motivate both young and veteran players, striving to utilize their full potential to achieve victory. The coaching staff is also handling the absence of key players with the utmost professionalism, putting in significant effort to rearrange their tactics to ensure continued good performance. Peseiro relies on players like Ashraf Bencharki, Seifeddine Jaziri, and Yusuf Obama, who are expected to make a difference in crucial matches.

As part of the team's preparation for the match, Peseiro is focusing on several tactical aspects such as building attacks from the back and applying pressure on the opposition in midfield, as he believes controlling this area will be crucial in directing the match in Zamalek's favor. He is also seeking to exploit any gaps in Al-Masry's defense, particularly if the team fails to close spaces effectively.

Historically, Zamalek has had the upper hand in recent encounters with Al-Masry. However, tomorrow's match will not be easy, as Al-Masry is determined to put in a strong performance to improve their league position, especially with their many key players capable of making a difference. This makes the match highly anticipated by both teams' fans.

Ultimately, a victory over Al-Masry is a crucial step towards achieving Zamalek's goals in the league this season, whether it’s to continue competing for the title or secure a spot in the African competitions.